Muan, South Korea—A passenger plane operated by Jeju Air crashed during landing in Muan on Sunday, leaving 179 people dead in one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters.
The crash has prompted an extensive investigation, with officials citing a potential bird strike or adverse weather conditions as possible causes.
The Boeing 737-800, a 15-year-old jet, was returning from Bangkok when it burst into flames after skidding off the runway and slamming into a concrete fence.
The incident occurred just moments after the airport control tower issued a bird strike warning, advising the pilot to land in a different area.
Local fire chief Lee Jeong-hyeon described the scene as devastating, stating, “The exact cause will be determined by a further forensic and joint investigation.”
He added that the wreckage left only the tail assembly recognisable, underscoring the severity of the crash.
Two Survivors and Extensive Emergency Response
Of the 181 people onboard, only two crew members survived. Both were pulled from the wreckage conscious and are currently in stable condition, according to health officials.
The South Korean fire agency confirmed that among the deceased, 85 were women, 84 were men, and 10 others could not be immediately identified.
Emergency workers have so far identified 88 victims, predominantly South Korean nationals, with two Thai passengers confirmed among the fatalities.
Over 1,570 personnel, including firefighters, police officers, and soldiers, were deployed to the site to contain the blaze and recover bodies. The fire agency used 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to extinguish the flames.
Questions Surrounding Cause
While investigators initially pointed to a bird strike or deteriorating weather, aviation experts have raised questions about these early conclusions.
Observers noted the absence of landing gear in crash footage, suggesting the possibility of a landing gear malfunction.
Geoffrey Thomas, editor of Airline News, also highlighted the lack of emergency foam on the runway, which is typically deployed in anticipation of a belly landing.
Despite the ongoing probe, Jeju Air President Kim E-bae expressed full responsibility for the tragedy in a televised press conference. Kim emphasized that the aircraft had undergone regular maintenance without detecting mechanical issues.
The crash comes amid heightened scrutiny of Boeing’s safety record following the 737-9 MAX crisis. However, the 737-800 involved in this incident is widely regarded as a reliable model with a strong safety history.
Mourning and National Response
South Korea’s government has declared a weeklong national mourning period, with Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok visiting the crash site to oversee recovery efforts.
The region of Muan has been designated a special disaster zone to facilitate support for victims’ families.
President Yoon Suk-yeol extended condolences to the victims’ families via social media, while his office convened an emergency meeting to address the tragedy.
Jeju Air issued an official apology, pledging to assist affected families and cooperate fully with investigators. “We will do our utmost to manage the aftermath of the accident,” the airline said.
The crash is South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster since 1997, when a Korean Airlines flight crashed in Guam, killing 228 passengers. Investigations into the Muan crash continue, with authorities promising a thorough examination of all potential causes.